Black History Month: Lets focus on the entertainment industry and the contributions of some Black artists and entertainers - 1. Talk show host, philanthropist and media mogul Oprah Winfrey swiftly rose to the top of the talk show world in 1986 – a field then dominated mostly by white males – whenThe Oprah Winfrey Show first debuted. After 25 years of her groundbreaking program, the series finale aired on May 25, 2011. Fans and friends all around the country tuned in to say goodbye to one of the most powerful African American women in the world. Save the tears! You can still have your weekly cry or life lesson on the OWN Network. 2. Beyonce-the 30-year old singer has sold more than 30 million digital singles in the United States and 75 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time. One of the most media-exposed black artists today, her music has been heard around the world, empowering women with messages of confidence, sisterhood and independence. 3. Jay-Z and Kanye West’s “Watch the Throne”, Just one week after the August 2011 release of Jay-Z and Kanye West’s collaboration album, “Watch the Throne,” it sold more than 430,000 albums and reached the number one spot on iTunes in 23 countries. 4. “The Help” -It was a story not often told in the 1960s segregated south. This novel-turned-nominated drama peeks into the lives of African American maids and their white employers in Jackson, Miss. The enchanting Emma Stone broke out of her romcom rut to portray the lead role of Skeeter Phelan, but Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer stole the show with their gritty, heartfelt performances. 5. Steve Stoute -Entrepreneur, philanthropist, and record executive Steve Stoute is the man behind best-selling albums from U2, Eve and Eminem, and has helped launch the careers of famous black artists like Mariah Carey and Will Smith. In his new book, The Tanning of America: How Hip-Hop Created a Culture That Rewrote the Rules of the New Economy, he chronicles how hip-hop came to define urban culture and a new generation of thinking. 6. Tyler Perry writes the African American story - One of the most prolific black storytellers of all time, Tyler Perry has elevated a niche genre into must-see mainstream: family-centric African American plays, television shows and films. From inspiring black actors and comedians to helping launch the careers of many undiscovered talent, Perry has had a tremendous influence on the African American population. Forbes named Perry the most successful man in entertainment in 2011. 7. First Lady Michelle Obama started “Let’s Move,” a campaign that encourages children to lead healthier lifestyles. On Oct. 2, 2011, Guinness confirmed that Mrs. Obama helped break the world record for most people performing jumping jacks in a 24-hour period when she led more than 20,000 children in an exercise. 8. Award-winning journalist and top correspondent Soledad O’Brien debuts the new CNN morning show “Staring Point.” Known for critically acclaimed documentaries like “Black in America,” Soledad continues to push boundaries, ask the tough questions and chronicle America’s biggest moments on national television. 9. Etta James - Hailed as one of the greatest singers of all time with hits like “At Last” and “I’d Rather Go Blind,” Etta James was bold, brass and blonde. The late singer passed away in January but her soul-singing legacy lives on. Her magnetic voice knew no boundaries, crossing, blending and influencing musical genres like the blues, R&B, soul, jazz, gospel, and rock and roll. Despite the conservative nature of her time, her musical courage paved the way for black women. 10. Red Tails - Cuba Gooding Jr., David Oyelowo, Nate Parker, Terrence Howard, Tristan Wilds, Elijah Kelley, Ne-Yo and more make up the charismatic cast of the screenplay “Red Tails” adapted for the big screen. The cast passionately tells the heroic story of the Tuskegee Airmen – a group of African American United States Army Air Force pilots during World War II. Despite their esteemed position, the men were subject to Jim Crow laws and racial discrimination – both within and outside the army. “Red Tails” has been adapted for the small screen before, but this is the first time the valiant story has flown to the Silver Screen.
Posted on: Thu, 13 Feb 2014 10:45:39 +0000
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